FOUNTAIN HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

IN TOUCH

Fountain Hills, AZ February 2016

From Pastor Bill Good

FHPC VISION & MISSION STATEMENTS

Our Vision: Our Mission : Living Gods love. calls us to . . . Reach out to all with faith and love.

SOUP KEEPING A Lenten Experience

My little children. . .I am again in the pain of childbirth until Christ is formed in you. The Apostle Paul (Galatians 4:19)

I want to invite you to join me on a j ourney abo ut which I am, person-ally, very excited. It is a journey through another

world. Pastor/author John Ortberg observes that when we think about how our life is going most of us think about how were doing in the outer world -the world of reputation, of appearances, of success measured by things. Were quite used to this world: its familiar territory for us. However, theres another world: interior and private. it is, says Ortberg, largely unseen and unknown. It can be chaotic, dark, and disordered. Or, it can be a place of great peace and purpose. This is the world of the human soul. This is the world we will explore over 6 Wednesdays be-ginning on February 3rd and continuing throughout Lent as we study and share in Ortbergs powerful book and DVD curriculum, Soul Keeping. Soul keeping is important work: perhaps THE most impor-tant work of the human experience. When we were kids many of us prayed, Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. What did that mean? What were we asking for? What, exactly is the human soul? Jesus tells us that our soul is the seat of real life. From a biblical perspective, our soul can be seen as the aspect of

our self-hood which integrates the whole of our beingwill, mind, and body. It is the part of our humanness which maintains and directs our interior life. In Soul Keeping, John Ortberg gives us real and vital tools to allow us to cultivate that life with the same energy and devotion we more commonly dedicate to our outward, physical, presence. The late soul traveler Dallas Willard marked out our goal: You must arrange your days so that you are experiencing total content-

ment, joy and confidence in your everyday life with Godthat, and that alone, is what makes a soul healthy. We have seen such a soul in Jesus, who is ever and always guide and companion on our Lenten Journey. So, consider this an invitation to join me in arranging our days over the next 6 weeks to focus on some soul keeping as we open ourselves to allow Christ to be more fully formed within each of us. I promise, this will be an adventure to remember. We will meet for Soul Keeping on Wednesdays (excepting Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10) throughout Lent beginning February 3rd for lunch at Noon followed by class from 12:301:30 or dinner at 5:45 followed by class from 6:307:30, both in the Fellowship Center. Copies of the book Soul Keeping are available for $20/

ea. at the church office.

May the Lord guide us to new worlds of faith,

Pastor Bill

Ash Wednesday Service February 10, 2016

5:30 PM Continuous Communion Service

All are welcome.

In Touch page 2

On the Inside: Pastor Bill Good .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. Focus on Finance .. .. .. .. .. . .. . .. . .. . . Upcoming Events . .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . Mission Ministry . . . . . .. .. .. .. . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . .. Presbyterian Women .. .. .. . .. . . . . .. . .. . . .. . . .. .. How Can You Help? .. . . .. .. .. .. . . .. .. . .. . . . . . . . . . Lockboxes for Seniors. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . .. Not Yet a Member? .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . Concert Series 2016 . .. . .. .. . . . . .. . . . .. Friend & Family Sunday . . .. . .. . . . . . .. .. . . . . .. .. . . Christmas Eve 2015 .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. . . . . Christian Formation .. . .. . .. .. .. .. . .. . . . . .. . .. . . . .. . National Day of Prayer .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This and That .. .. . .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. .. . .. . . .. . FHPC Foundation.. .. .. .. . .. .. . .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . Hilltop Outing .. .. . . . .. . .. . . . . .. . .. .. . .. . .. . . Thank you from John Brockelman.. .. .. .. . . . .. . . . .. Facebook. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . .. . .. .. .. .. . . .. Library Footnotes.. .. . .. . . . . . Music Ministry .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . .. . .. Member Spotlight...Did you Know? .. .. .. .. .. .. . . . ... Necrology for 2016 .. .. . . .. .. . .. . . .. . . February Birthdays .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . Uphoff Family on the Fourth of Advent . . .. . . . . . . .

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OUR CHURCH STAFF

Rev. Bill Good Pastor/Head of Staff

Pastor Ken Brown Associate Pastor

Marta Ludwig Administrative Coordinator

Debbie Fisher Director of Music Ministry

Dorothy Parris Pianist

Caryl Bates Organist

Lynn Medley Custodian

CHURCH TREASURER Linda Lull

CHURCH SESSION Clerk of Session John Brockelman

Class of 2016 Sally Atchinson

Bob Lull John Skewes

Arlene Stewart Class of 2017

Mary Alice Bivens Bonnie Hollabaugh

Aleyne Larsen-Craig Helen Roesch

Ron Waldo Class of 2018 Norm Collins

Yvonne Ellingson Jerry Miles

Helen Quilgey Jack Reynolds

BOARD OF DEACONS Moderator: Nancy Wulfmeier

Class of 2016 Suzie McCready Dorothy Rudack

Donna Sims Nancy Wulfmeier

Class of 2017 Michele Hasley

Mary Lee Lehrich Cynthia Linton Linda Warren Class of 2018 Sandy Larson Elvira Ruiz

Ray Schmidt Bob Titus

******

Focus on Finance

We finished the year off in a positive position thanks to you for your faithful commitment to our church. YTD Income exceeded YTD Budget by $13,466. We also were successful in keeping our expenses below budget through most of the year and below in-come by $13,604. As a result Finance decided to pay some of the 2016 expenses using 2015 funds in order to prepare a Balance Budget for 2016, and to hopefully meet the Meridian Bank loan requirements at year end. 2016 will be a challenge going forward, but I am sure working together we will be able to meet that challenge and continue all the programs we look forward to fulfilling.

Respectfully, Linda Lull, Treasurer

Dec. Income $ 41,767 Budget $ 39,175 Dec. Expenses $ 54,769 Budget $ 41,267 Yr to date Income $441,466 YTD Budget $428,000 Yr to date Income $ 427,861 YTD Budget $ 428,000

page 3 February 2016

Upcoming Events in 2016

We still need more volunteers to help with the Rummage Sale. If you havent signed up, there are still openings so please contact Helen Roesch (480) 837-2142 or Marta (480) 837-1763 as soon as possible. Here are a few important dates to mark on your calendar:

NOW Start to gather up new and gently used items to donate. Consider more valuable items for the Boutique Department. Donations are tax deductible. February 6, 12:30 pm Information meeting for all volunteers, Fellowship Center February 28 to March 3 (Noon) Deliver your donations to the church February 29 to March 2 Volunteers will pick up some furniture and large items; call the office for more information and to schedule an appointment February 29 to March 3 Volunteers work as needed through the week to set-up departments March 4, 9 am to Noon Early shopping for volunteers March 5, 7 am Volunteers arrive at church for the big sale! There will be coffee, rolls and munchies for your breakfast.

Were looking forward to seeing you at the volunteer information meeting on February 6, 12:30 pm. in the Fel-lowship Center.

The 2016 Sweethearts Brunch

Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 10:00 AM Tickets: $12.00 each

The Mens Fellowship will once again provide the men of FHPC a chance to show the women in their lives just how much they mean to us. Of course, we are talking about the annual Sweet-hearts Brunch, which consists of a catered brunch and some wonderful entertainment. It all takes

place on February 13 in the friendly confines of our Fellowship Center.

This event is being planned and orchestrated by the very talented duo of Jim Bates and Bob Titus. Considering past perform-ances, you just have to know this will also be a memorable experience.

Dont miss it!!

Tickets for you and your sweetheart will be available in the Fellowship Center between 10:00 and 11:00 AM on January 31 and February 7. You can also buy tickets during normal working hours at the Church office from February 1 through February 11.

page 5 November 2012

Christmas Eve Offering This year the Christmas Eve offering was designated for the Extended Hands Food Bank. This has been a long-standing tradition at FHPC but, of course, is reviewed annu-ally. The collection was just shy of $2000 and a check has been sent. We thank all who so gener-ously gave to help the local less fortunate in our community.

Blankets Plus Mission Project -- This year our annual Blankets Plus Sunday will be observed on March 6 with the Minute for Mission presented the week be-fore on February 28. This special offering provides a chance to support a mission program which provides thousands of blan-kets, as well as various building and agricultural tools to those areas beset by disasters around the world. For more than 60 years, congregations across the U.S, in partnership with Church World Service, have been responding to Jesus call to be a neighbor to those in need. Our congregation is helping impov-erished communities here in the U.S. as well as around the world with the basic tools they need to sustain themselves and their families. When disaster strikes, people often need blankets and much more. They need food, shelter, safe water. And as the recov-ery process unfolds, they need tools, training, and other re-sources to help them rebuild their lives. In the past year there have been earthquakes, flooding, tornados, and wildfires either here in the U.S. or in other parts of the world. Contributions to Blankets Plus mean that Church World Service is there for the long haul as families recover from disasters such as these. And they help families struggling against grinding poverty as they seek to develop viable, sustainable communities and liveli-hoods. Please be generous in your support for the Blankets Plus offering.

In Touch page 4

Mission Ministry

Jack Reynolds, Elder-elect

Souper Bowl Challenge Yes, fans here we go. Its not going to be the Cards but we can still have fun in helping the less fortunate by donating goodies during the annual FHPC food/cash drive. On January 31 and February 7, we will have two carts in the Narthex with the Broncos/Panthers logo displayed. Place the food in cart of the team you favor to win. In each year past, FHPC has selected the win-ning team. You can also make a financial contribution. Write your team on the memo line and place in the collection or drop off at the church office. Extended Hands Foodbank will re-ceive these gifts and they are always very appreciative.

Citrus Fruit Drive -- For the second year, the Mission Committee is supporting Art Spaulding who is requesting that members who own or have access to local citrus fruit trees, contact him so that he and his volunteers can help pick any extra fruit and de-liver to Extended Hands. From now through February the fruit is ripening on the trees. The food bank has authorized this donation as long as the trees are located in Fountain Hills or the Verdes in light of the pest contamination in western Maricopa County. Please contact Art at 480-837-1781 if a member can support this project.

Jer. 29:11 I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

-The Newsletter Newsletter by Communication Resources, Inc

An early start to spring cleaning Although Lent starts early this year, before spring appears in many areas, its an appropriate time for spring cleaning. Indeed, Lent comes from old German and English words for spring. So while it might be too soon to open windows or hang clothes on the line, now is the ideal time for some spiritual spring cleaning. Lent calls us to examine our beliefs, confess and dispose of old grudges and selfish habits , dust off our Bibles for a new routine of study and prayer, air out our hearts and brighten up our atti-tudes. Lent cleaning lets the Holy Spirit freshen our faith - and its never too early for that.

In Touch page 4 page 5 February 2016

Mission Ministry

-The Newsletter Newsletter by Communication Resources, Inc

MISSION PROJECT SUPPORT OUR TROOPS/VETERANS

Our Winter Project to help our homeless Veterans by donating new sweatshirts and socks was a success and I cant thank you enough for all of your donations which will help out our homeless vets keep warm during these cold winter months. Delivery will be made to MANA House in Phoenix probably within this next week. A delivery of magazines, books, toiletries, CDs, and DVDs was made last week to the Veterans Hospital/Home. Please remember that these items, along with gently used clothing, is collected and deliv-ered continuously throughout the year. Deliveries are made when there are enough items collected to do so. There are two boxes for you to place your donations located at Church. One is in the Narthex on the table and/or floor and the other one is in the Fel-

lowship Center located on the left side as you enter or you may also drop off any items at the Church office and they will call me. A total of 17 Christmas cards were also mailed to our Church-connected Military members (the List of names is included in our weekly Bulletins and on-screen) with several notes inside written to each individual. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to just ask me. Many thanks to all of you who very graciously donated some sweatshirts/socks. Cant thank you enough.

Donna Sims, Deacon

Love all you do Blogger Rachel Macy Stafford gained a following by admitting shed acquired the disease of distraction. Her children and family paid the price for her de-pendence on technology and a super-packed schedule. In Hands Free Mama (Zondervan), Staf-ford describes how she made room to live, breathe and appreci-ate each day. One step involved changing the slogan on the front of her planner from Do It All to Love All I Do. Now Stafford encourages others to take a Hands Free Pledge, letting go of distrac-tion, disconnection and perfection to live a life that simply, so very simply, consists of what really matters.

Love notes When it comes to relationships, kid quotes are priceless: I love you so much that even God is amazed! Dear Mom, I love when you spend time with you. (A mom can only dream!) Im sorry that Ive been chasing you outside. If you start to like me, I will not chase you. Re-sponding to a note that asked Do you like me? a child wrote, I dont know. I dont know myself yet. Plus Im under a lot of stress at home so, I cant tell. P.S. You dont know yourself until youre 18.

Light amid darkness Poet Martha Snell Nicholson (1886-1957) was bedridden by four incurable diseases, but decades of pain didnt damped her faith. In fact, she wrote some of the most beloved lines of Christian verse during the darkest timesincluding the death of her husband.

Nicholson inspired millions of people, including World War II soldiers who received tracts with her writings. Her poem The Other Side shares the hope that believers in Jesus possess, no matter what we face here on earth:

This isnt death, its glory! It isnt dark, its light; It isnt stumbling, groping, Or even faithits sight. This isnt grief, its having my last tear wiped away. Its sunrise, its the morning of my eternal day!

-The Newsletter Newsletter by Communication Resources, Inc

page 7 December 2011

Presbyterian Women Coordinating Team for 2015-2016 Moderator, Maurene Gerson Librarian, Barbara Oakeson Vice-Moderator (Program), Sandi Thompson Historian, Office Angels Secretary, Bonnie Matty Search Committee, (open) Treasurer, Maria Berry Membership Directory, Arlene Stewart Publicity, Ilene Berg Bible Study Coordinator, Maria Berry Mission Coordinator, Sandy Larson New Member Contact, Carol Fuls

Circle Leaders Morning Circle, Suzie McCready, Joy Fick

Afternoon Circle, Martha Baxter Evening Circle, Judy Irvin

Hooked on Books, Leader, Jan Hoff Out N About Leader, Nancy Wulfmeier

Presbyterian Women

In Touch page 6

FEBRUARY EVENTS February 5 9 a.m. Coordinating Team Meeting, Adult Center, FHPC February 2/16 1 p.m. Afternoon Circle, Fountain View Village February 11/18 1 p.m. Afternoon Circle, Fountain View Spa February 11 9 a.m. Morning Circle, Adult Center, FHPC February 15 7 p.m. Evening Circle, Maria Berrys home February 17 9:30 a.m. Hooked on Books, Jo-Ann Spauldings home Noon Out N About, Ahnala Restaurant at the Raddison Hotel, Ft. McDowell February 14, 21, 28 Fellowship Refreshments Provided by PW

FEBRUARY BIBLE STUDY Waters Of Justice and Righteousness Amos 5:21-24

PW Circles

There currently are three PW Circles meeting each month named for the time of day they meet. The Afternoon Circle was highlighted in the November 2015 In Touch and they have grown in member-ship and are now meeting at two locations. (See info above.) This month the Evening Circle is being featured with the article below submitted by Circle Leader Judy Irvin. We hope you are enticed to visit each of the Circles to help you decide the best fit for you. You will be warmly wel-comed by each group!

If you are looking for a fun way to become part of a small group of ladies who care deeply about what goes on in each others lives while helping to serve our Church family, look no further! The Evening Circle is for you! We meet in each others homes on the third Monday eve-ning of each month where we enjoy each

others insights during a Bible study and share the joys and concerns of our Church family. Each meeting is topped off with a delicious dessert, and for the last couple of years, we have also enjoyed a wonderful December potluck dinner at Donna Yordys home. For more than ten years now, we have helped to support a young lady, Schella Simi-lien, through Compassion International, from whom we have received many pictures and letters com-municating her love and appreciation. Each mem-ber of our Circle has their own unique gifts which we appreciate in each other, and we work great as a team. Please con-sider becoming a member of our group. We would love to have you join us. Patsy Knoy entertained the ladies during the

PW Winter Gathering

HOOKED ON BOOKS

The February meeting of Hooked On Books will be on February 17th at 9:30 AM. The meeting will be held in the home of Joanne Spalding.

Monique Reynolds will review "Night Flight" by St. Exupery. All women who enjoy reading and discussing books are welcome to attend. Books you no longer want may be brought for the book exchange.

For further information, contact Jan Hoff (480) 836-7551.

page 7 February 2016

Out n AboutOut to Lunch

On Wednesday, February 17th, Out n' About will be hav-ing lunch at the Ahnala Restau-rant at the Radisson Hotel at Fort McDowell Casino. We will meet there at noon. For information or reservations con-tact Nancy Wulfmeier at 837-3021.

.

Ilene Berg

Recipe for Friendship in PW Circles Shortening Provides texture. Our fellowship and friendship with our sisters in the Lord can add much depth and texture to our lives. We blend together in unity as part of the body of Christ. Sugar Adds sweetness. Our fellowship with our sisters adds such a sweet taste to our lives. If we didnt have sugar in our cookies, wed sure miss it. The same is with our fellowship with our sisters. We cant leave it out of our lives. Eggs Holds ingredients together. Sisters in the Lord are someone to lean on. We are held together by fellowship with them. We are stronger because of them, their prayers, and their love in the Lord. We have a special bond in Christ. Vanilla Adds flavor. Sisters add that flavor we need. They give us that extra sensation. Without friends and fellowship we become kind of bland. Flour Adds substance. We need the substance a sister in the Lord can add. They give us many things by way of mentor- ing us when we dont even know it. Their shared testimonies and way they live their lies has an impact on us. Baking Soda Leavens. Leavening agents in baking helps to lighten the dough. Friendship with our sisters in Christ lightens our burdens through their prayer and encouragement. Salt Enhances flavor. We know that friendships add flavor, and just when we need it they help improve the tastefulness and quality of our lives. Friends are the type of people that know just what we are going through and are there when we need them. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips - The kind of chocolate chips we normally add to our cookies is semi sweet. Our sister friends tell us what they feel and think and thats okay. They can be honest and truthful to us. Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). NutsOptional Just a little craziness in a sister friend is great! Sometimes a little zaniness in our friends can be just the ingredient we need.

Mix ingredients thoroughly and bake up with love!!

THANK YOU, FHPC MEN!! The Mens Sunday worship service was outstanding! The amazing pianist helped us to realize Gods good gifts. Thanks to Roy Nichols for once again bringing together a very impressive Mens Choir (talk about eye candy!!!) and for their excellent per-formance under Roys direction. The message was inspirational and chal-lenging for Christians wanting to grow closer to God well done, Murray Jones. THANK YOU to every man who participated A/V techs, greeters/ushers, musicians, speakers.

The congregation men and women alike were blessed and so proud to be in such good company!

Not Yet A Member? *If you are attending our church and dont have membership in another church, you can join our church by profession

of faith and receiving the Sacrament of Baptism or, if youve already been baptized, you can join by reaffirmation of faith in Jesus Christ. *If you belong to another church, but would like to transfer your membership to our church, we can arrange for a letter of transfer from your current membership church to ours. *If you are a winter visitor and are an active member of another church back home, you can become an affiliate member at our church here and maintain your full active membership there.

For additional information, please contact Aleyne Larsen-Craig at 602-625-6201, Sally Atchinson at 480-837-1054 or call the church office at 480-837-1763. Sally Atchinson & Aleyne Larsen-Craig

In Touch page 8

Fry's Community Rewards Program The more our church family shops at Fry's, the more mone-tary support our church will have. Won't you consider reg-istering to allow Fry's to donate a portion of your grocery expenditures to our church programs?

How to Re-Enroll for the

Frys Community Rewards Program

1. * Go to www.FrysCommunityRewards.com

2. * Click on Sign-In.

3. Enter your email and password, click on sign in.

4. Click on your name (top right hand corner),

under Account Summary scroll down to

Community Rewards.

5. Click on Edit under Community Rewards.

6. Under Find Your Organization: Enter the NPO

number or name of organization then select

search. (You can get the NPO number from

your organization.) It is #84123

7. Under Select Your Organization, click on the

circle next to your organization.

8. Click on Enroll

If you have re-enrolled correctly, you should see a

green box with Your enrollment in the Community

Rewards Program has been updated. Thank you for

participating! You will also see the information listed

under Community Rewards on your Account Sum-

mary page.

How can you help?

Lockboxes for Seniors

** FREE ** JUST CALL

THE CHURCH OFFICE 837-1763

-The Newsletter Newsletter by Communication Resources, Inc

Star search Dont look for the flaws as you go through life; and even when you find them, it is wise and kind to be somewhat blind and look for the virtue behind them. For the cloudiest night has a hint of light somewhere in its shadows hiding; it is better by far to hunt for a star, that the spots on the sun abiding.

page 9 February 2016

Pat Covault Memorial Concert Series... 2016

Tickets for Concert Series... 2016

There will be a ticket sales at 8:30 am in the church Fellowship Hall and after church until 10:15 am. You can also purchase tickets at the church office on Fountain Hills Blvd. during the week, 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. NO CREDIT CARDS!

Church telephone number is 480-837-1763. Concert Series features:

Dick Hardwick (Worlds Cleanest Comedian) Feb. 9th Robbie Howard (Singing Impressionist) Feb. 23rd Mark Preston ( Formerly of THE LETTERMEN) Mar. 8th Rootberry (A Unique Comedy Variety Show) Mar. 22nd

The High Holiness of Groundhog Day

While Groundhog Day may seem like an insignificant event, we discover profound messages when we choose to look deeper into its meaning.

Groundhog Day is the day when the groundhog, after being cooped up in its burrow all winter long, decides to test the waters to see if theres a better life waiting for him beyond what is safe and secure. If he encounters his shadow as he heads into the light he retreats back into the ground and the world is cursed with six more weeks of winter.

How often in our own lives do we seek to expand our horizons only to encounter obstaclesobstacles which we find so overwhelming that we retreat back into our old lives where its safe and comfortable? Like the groundhog who discovers its shadow, we allow setbacks to stop our progress and we end up stuck in uninspiring rut. More winter.

The message of Groundhog Day is clear: come into the light. You will encounter some shadows along the way, but dont linger there. Turn to-ward the light and the shadows disappear.

In the shadows, weve learned to survive As we wait for the sun to arrive As we climb out of our holes Lets bring warmth to our souls As we bask in just being alive!

Happy Groundhog Day!

Excerpt from the writings of David J. Virden

Friend & Family Sunday February 20, 2016

Both Services

Begin to think about who you could invite and whose life you could bless. Enrich some-ones life by offering them a chance to get introduced to this wonderful church family.

Christmas Eve 2015

In Touch page 8 In Touch page 10

Pastor Bill with daughter Maggie

Debbie Fisher with Anne & Sunniva Graves and Sandy Heunisch

Althea Halchuck, Chairman of Refreshments

page 11 February 2016

Christmas Eve 2015

Helen Quigley and Jean Ipema collecting candles

Christian Formation In Touch page 12

Christian Formation Opportunities:

Sundays 10:15 AM Sabbath Day Bible Study 10:15 AM Elementary Life with God 11:15 AM Blessed Beginnings Nursery 11:15 AM Preschool Life with God

Wednesdays The Way on Wednesdays (Sept-May) 12:00 PM Lunch & Bible Study 5:00 PM Elementary Big God Story 6:00 PM Bible Study

Committed Youth Rehearsal 3:45 PM on Wednesdays

Womens Bible Study Circles (Sept thru May) 9:00 AM 2nd Thursday 1:00 PM 1st & 3rd Tuesday 7:00 PM 3rd Monday

Mens Bible Study on Thursdays 7:00 AM in the Adult Center

Spiritual Life Group 6:00 PM 1st & 3rd Monday

HELP WANTED!

Need volunteers for:

Cooking Clean up after event Running computer

Call church office 837-1763. No experience nec-essary. We will train. Dont send resume, we trust you. Many benefits.

Do Kids Matter to God?

Do kids matter to God? Are you kidding me? Is that a serious question?

Of course they do! How do I know you ask? Because Jesus said so, in so many words. Let the little children come to me, he demanded.

It is fascinating to see what prompted Jesus to make that demand. Moms and dads were bringing their kids to have Jesus pray and lay His hands on them. His disciples intercepted those parents and their kiddoes and tried to usher them away. They were doing Jesus a huge favor, they thought. He didnt have time for kids, because He was buried by the pressing needs of the grown-ups. Or so they assumed.

Jesus was horrified by this scenario. He chewed out His disciples for chasing the kids away. Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them, he roared! For it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.

His words and His example speak to us today. Here are three ways they do so:

1. Moms and dads still want their kids to meet Jesus. But they need help. So when they bring their kids to our church, lets say, Thank you, Jesus! Then step forward and volunteer to do our part to bless them, both the kids and the parents.

2. Teaching future adults MUST be a high priority. Because I say so? No, because Jesus says so. Every child is a future adult, generally speaking. Never forget that.

A recruiting slogan for West Point, the famed military academy, taunts potential candidates, Much of the history we teach was made by the people we taught. Read that again please, and let those haunting words sink in. We are teaching the future, not just kids! We are not raising kids. We are raising adults. Future adults.

3. You and I need to be childlike rather than childish. Some adults never seem to grow up. Ever noticed that? They are childish, but thats not the same as being child-like. Childish behavior seems silly. Child-like behavior is sober and sensible.

Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all. So Jesus said. Kids be-lieve what you tell them, if they trust you. God wants grown-ups to be that gullible. Be child-like without becoming childish.

Continued on page 13...

National Day of Prayer

page 13 February 2016

Wake Up America

The Fountain Hills National Day of Prayer committee is already planning for the fifth annual prayer gathering on Thurs-day, May 5, at the Fountain Park amphitheater. The NDOP theme for 2016 is Wake Up America. The scripture is Isaiah 58:1a, Shout it aloud, do not hold back, raise your voice like a trumpet.

The committee encourages churches to join together in a monthly common prayer focus. At this crucial time for our nation, we can do nothing more important than pray. We must encourage others to incorporate prayer in their lives. During this month, the committee invites congregations to pray for education. Education plays a key role in our lives at social, cultural, spiritual and intel-lectual levels. The committee asks people to pray for our legislators and justices who make laws and rulings that directly affect edu-cation. Our schools, in many ways, shape our children, bringing students to understand both on a moral and intellectual level.

Ask God to keep all the men and women in our educational institutions in his gracious care. Pray that God will fill their minds with His faithfulness, gentleness and self-control as they use their abilities and skills to seek after truth.

PRAYER FOR EDUCATION Heavenly Father,

Ignite our schools with Your Holy Spirit. May there be such a move of Your grace and power in our nations school systems that alcohol, drugs, guns,

pornography and illicit sexual activity cease to be issues. Turn the hearts of the students towards You.

Make our schools a safe place to be, with an atmosphere that encourages our children to abide by the Golden Rule. Infuse guidance, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding

in legislators, justices, school boards of education and teachers that they may teach our children effectively as

they provide honest accurate knowledge. In Jesus' name we pray. AMEN

Are you sitting down? Paula Poundstone, the stand-up comedian, quipped, Adults are always asking kids what they want to be when they grow up 'cause they're trying to get ideas. I know this much. When you teach kids, your mind will be ablaze with fresh ideas. Youll learn a ton more than they ever will.

I have been asked to be the pastoral liaison to the Christian Formation team, led by Elder Bonnie Hollabaugh. With Debbie De-Bernardi stepping down, we want to make sure we dont lose any of the momentum she has built. So I will work closely with Bonnie and her team to provide vision, counsel and insight for the task at hand.

Bonnie has established a new email address for Christian Formation. It is fhpc.cf@gmail.com. Feel free to communicate any questions or concerns to us via email or contact either of us on our cells. Mine is 480-268-3731 and Bonnies is 480-399-1769. Feel free to text or call either of us. Especially if you want to help kids by helping us out.

Only one question remains. Do kids matter to us? To our church, that is? Bonnie and I say, Yes! A big fat YES! What do you say?

Continued from page 12 from Pastor Ken

In Touch page 14

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church Foundation An Investment Today for the Life of Our Church Tomorrow

You are invited to. . .

PLAN TO ATTEND the 3rd Annual Foundation Corporation Meeting in the Church Fellowship Cen-ter, Sunday afternoon, February 21, at 2:00 pm. All members of the Church are members of the Founda-tion. Those in attendance will be asked to vote on up-dates and additions to the Foundation By-Laws. Copies of the new By-Laws are available in the Church office. Learn about the current status of the Foun-dation, what part it played in the life of the Church last year and how your gift will impact the future of your Church. This is another opportunity to receive answers to any questions you have.

Members of the Board of Trustees are available to answer your questions. Give them a call!

Foundation Board of Trustees

Gary Oakeson 480-837-5563 Jean Ipema 480-837-1770 Matt Jefferson 480-837-6001 Dawn Lau 480-837-2607 Roy Nickel 480-688-8392 Ben Fast 480-837-1119 John Skewes 480-292-9021

Mens Sunday January 24, 2016

Under the leadership of John

Schopbach and Roy Nickel

(Mens Chorus Director)

Thank you for an excellent service!

FACEBOOK PAGE: Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church

Go to our website and click on Facebook on our home page. When you are there also click on the like it icon. When you do that you will get news feeds directly from our site whenever anything new is added. It is just another way to stay connected.

page 15 February 2016

Facebook

Concert with the Duttons

Saturday, March 12, 2 pm The Dutton Theater

7420 East Main Street, Mesa Price $25 per ticket

Front row seats

Hilltop Hospitality invites you to attend a concert with The Duttons, a large family of accomplished musicians, singers and dancers. Their wide repertoire of music runs from blue-grass to classical to everything in between. Instruments in-cluded in the show are violins, guitar, bass, viola, banjo, mandolin, keyboard, harmonic and drums. Simon Cowell saw the show and absolutely loved it! The group has been on CBS, NBC, PBS, ABS and Fox. Their home theater is in Branson, Missouri where their shows usually sell out.

Reservations will be taken on Sunday, February 7, 14 and 21. Please make out checks to FHPC. We will be carpooling from the church. Lunch is not served but there are many res-taurants nearby for anyone interested. For more information about the group and to hear a musical clip, log onto http://www.theduttons.com/. There are also brochures in the Narthex and Fellowship Center. Please contact Helen Roesch 480-837-2142 if you have questions.

You wont want to miss The Duttons! It will be a FUN day!

THANK YOU! Thank you to everyone who came to the Family Meeting on January 10. We had a great attendance and you al-lowed us to get the information out without questions in the interest of time. By the time you read this ,we will have had a meeting with ECO on January 30 where you will have had the opportunity to ask questions.

I pray that everyone will take the opportunity to be at the upcoming meetings with the Presbytery Commission, which should start soon. They will start with your Session and then the Congregation. This is your opportunity to speak, be heard and counted.

I hope that we all will pray that when the process is complete we will remain a family in Christ committed to do Gods will in this church. This will be the same church the day after the decision is made as it was the day before.

May God be with all of us. John Brockelman

Library Footnotes

In Touch page 16

Church World Service: Fifty Years of Help and Hope by Ronald E. Stenning

Many people have heard of Church World Service (CWS), but dont really know who they are and what they do. This book provides a look at the story of this organization which is the relief, development, and refugee agency of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCCC), representing thirty-three Protestant, Orthodox, and Anglican member communions in the United States, including PC USA. It begins in the year 1946 which marked the end of the bloodiest and most destructive war in human history. Much of Europe and large parts of Asia were in ruins. Hundreds of thousands of people were hungry and homeless, some in camps, others carrying all their worldly possessions wandering from one place to another looking for food and shelter.

Many relief agencies had been established prior to this crisis and their proliferation created a need for an inclusive, ecumenical, and coordinating instrument for overseas relief and reconstruction. Church World Service was established to be the coordinating agency in which issues could be discussed, and decisions agreed to and carried out. It was also to be a means of making joint ap-peals for funds to carry on the service work of the churches. One of their early efforts was sharing a record wheat crop transported in Friendship Trains across our country, then shipped overseas to starving people in Europe. Very successful, a general appeal for farm com-modities under the name Christian Rural Overseas Pro-gram (CROP) followed. CWS also began working with resettling refugees from parts of the world that had experi-enced natural disasters as well as civil and regional wars.

By the early 1950s they had begun to shift the emphasis away from pure relief to foster programs of social and economic development. CWS began using some donated funds to purchase and send tools, seeds, building materi-als, and windmills overseas to help people become self-sufficient. One Great Hour of Sharing was initiated as an ecumenical effort that became a major promotional activ-ity of CWS. In 1959 they began phasing out their offices in forty countries, beginning a new era of partnership with indigenous churches. About that time CROP ex-

panded with a clothing collection program and began to extend its activities into urban areas. New fund raising ideas materialized such as CROP walks and Blanket Sundays which we have annually at our church and is sched-uled for March 6 in 2016.

Over the years Church World Service has grown from its largely rural roots to become a truly global organization, active in more than seventy countries around the world. But their

goals have remained the same: to help the victims of natural disasters, refugees from wars and civil conflicts, the hungry, and those for whom survival is a daily chal-lenge; to help people help themselves; to provide the ne-cessities of life, to free people from malnutrition and disease, and enable them to participate in the decisions that affect their own lives.

Barbara Oakeson

PW Winter Gathering Book Shower Ginny Siegle donating books to the church Library Resource Center at the Book Shower. Four books were donated and $155. received to purchase books to enable our collection to continue to grow in quality and quantity.

Ginny Siegle, Vivian Virden and Barbara Oakeson

page 17 February 2016

I love our screens! Kudos to those who had the vision and tenacity to make them happen. I love seeing peo-ple sing, heads up, voices full, sometimes glanc-ing as we share in singing a great

hymn, or a great rhythm! It is such a

feeling of connective motion and so pleasant. It cer-tainly reminds one of the beautiful motion of the Spirit.

In the second service there is a meet and greet pause where everyone stands and wanders about the room having a moment of conversation, recognizing one another and sharing a strong hug of encouragement

Music Ministry

Debbie Fisher, Director of Music

with a friend, all while Hilltop plays music in the back-ground. It is like a dance as we look out watching everyone in that connective motion, and knowing God is the reason for it all. You will see Christ in their hearts, in their eyes, and in their smiles. For that short period of time you are steeped in the culture of His love, and you can just know..just feel.. and just be grateful.

Now the music must help to prepare our hearts for the reception of Lent.

I lift up mine eyes to the hills, from whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalms 121: 1-2

Deborah Fisher Director of Music Ministry

-The Newsletter Newsletter by Communication Resources, Inc

Leaps of faith My coming to faith did not start with a leap but rather a series of staggers from what seemed like one safe place to another. Like lily pads, round and green, these places summoned and then held me up while I grew Each prepared me for the next leaf on which I would land, and in this way I moved across the swamp of doubt and fear to the verdant pad of faith on which I somehow stay afloat today. Anne Lamott, Traveling Mercies

Mother Natures sense of humor

In Touch page 18

Member Spotlight . Did you know?

CAROL & JOHN SKEWES

Carol grew up in a semi-rural area outside Sacra-mento, California, as the middle child in a family of three daughters. Herschell, Betty, Donna, Carol and Kim lived in a ranch home on five acres, complete with a garden, horses, cows, sheep, dog and one mean rooster.

The family attended a Northern Baptist church in nearby Elk Grove, where Carol met the friends she is still close to today, despite the geographical distance between them.

Carol developed a love of design and studied it at University of California, Davis. During one summer between quarters at UCD, Carol worked as a waitress at a nearby coffee shop out-side Sacramento where she met a bright and witty cook named John. John was a student at Fresno State University, but was working during the summer and staying with his par-ents in Vacaville, CA. John and Carol started dating after get-ting together at a party hosted by a fellow waitress.

John, being the son of a colonel in the United States Air Force, travelled much in his young life. Their family, Ken, Georgina, Ken, Jr., Valerie, Janice and John, have lived in places such as England, Texas, New York, Virginia, Mary-land and California. At one point, John and his three siblings,

all being born a year apart from each other, attended the same high school where their mother was Guidance Counselor.

John received his Bachelors degree in Accounting from Fresno State University. Following graduation, he worked at a big eight accounting firm and later became a Certified Public Accountant.

After a two-year long-distance relationship, Carol moved to Fresno to be nearer to John. There she began her career as a Real Estate Appraiser. The two married in 1978 and had two children Stephanie, who is now an actress living with her actor husband, Josh, near Hollywood, CA, and Ian, an Office Administrator for a law firm in Houston, TX.

John and Carol left smoggy, foggy Fresno for picturesque Fountain Hills in 2007. John now works in downtown Phoe-nix as the Chief Operating Officer of a law firm and Carol works for Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, Scottsdale, doing graphic work.

They church-shopped for years before finding a home at FHPC under the pastoral leadership of Bill Good. They love their church family where John is Elder, Finance, and Carol produces The Weekly e-news and other special design pro-jects.

Both love to read books by Nelson DeMille and Ken Follett, and are beginners at the game of Pickleball. John golfs on occasion and Carol enjoys her volunteer work with Four Peaks Womens Club and HopeFest Phoenix.

Congratulations Emerson Uphoff

Emerson's Team won the "Best Stem Research Project" for the Robotics Competition out of the 19 teams in attendance! Go Girls!!!! A Boys team took first overall qualifying FH elementary for state championship competition too! Lots to praise.

page 19 February 2016

HAPPY FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS!

02/25 Jacquelyn Miles

02/25 Josephine Nelson 02/25 Nancy Polgar

02/26 Barbara Oakeson

02/26 Tyson Robinson

02/27 Sandy Larson

02/29 Kitty Youngquist

02/12 Melinda Stanton

02/16 Rose Marie Kramer 02/17 John Bacher

02/18 Tim Halchuck

02/20 Jane Haynes

02/21 John Wyman

02/23 Shawn Uphoff

With deepest sympathy we list those members who have passed away in 2016.

Patsy Culley

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Matthew 25:21

Hospitalized? Call the church!

If you are sick, hospitalized or home recovering from ill-ness, we want you to call the church and let us know! In a con-gregation like ours where people leave in droves for extended summer months, it is easy for the staff, elders and deacons to assume, when we dont see someone, that they are simply vacationing away. The truth is that some of you are sick and we are not aware of it. You can help us by simply letting one of the staff know of your situation. We have an excellent support system in place due to the diligent efforts of our deacons. Help us serve you by com-municating your situation.

02/04 Melba Versaw

02/06 Bella Bennett 02/06 Roy Nickel

02/08 Emily Owens

02/09 Ben Fast

02/09 Susan Lickman

02/11 John Bivens

The greatest love of all On Valentines Day, we remember that God is the source of all love in the world. His perfect love for us has made all human love possible.

For God

so loVed

the world

thAt he

gave His

onLy

begottEn

SoN,

thaT whoever

belIeves

iN him

should not

perish

but havE

everlasting life.

(John 3:16,

NKJV)

Climbers going up Mt Everest May Arent you glad, you aren't there!

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church

13001 N. Fountain Hills Boulevard

Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Non Profit Organ.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit NO. 299

Scottsdale, AZ

In Touch is published monthly; deadline for each issue is the 15th of the month before publication. News and information should be submitted to the church office in hard copy, or email to fhpc.marta@gmail.com Editor, Marta Ludwig; Proof Readers: Helen Roesch & Jean Ipema; Staff Pho-tographers: Gary Oakeson & Michele Hasley; Production and Circulation: Mary Wernecke, Bobbie Dangremond, Ruby Pearson, Marilyn Humes, Mary Martinson and Vivian Virden. Travel to Bulk Mail Post Office: Mary Martinson.

Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church 13001 Fountain Hills Blvd. - Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Phone - (480) 837-1763 Fax - (480) 837-1729 Office E-Mail Address: fhpc.marta@gmail.com Office Hours: Monday Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. www.fhpresbyterian.info

Pastor/Head of Staff: Rev Bill Good email: fhpc.billg@gmail.com cell phone: 480-329-8090

Trey, Richard, Shawn and Emerson Uphoff were candle lighters on December 20, 2015 the 4th Sunday of Advent